Awareness and Education for the Asian Community

7 Oct

According to the 2018 census, New Zealand’s cultural make-up is becoming more diverse. Asian ethnic groups (707,598) are the third largest, with 15.1 percent of the population identifying with at least one Asian ethnicity. More than a quarter of people within the Auckland region identify with an Asian ethnicity.

Research has also shown that the Asian Community is at a higher risk of macular degeneration than other ethnicities.

Thanks to the TM Hosking Charitable Trust (proudly managed by Perpetual Guardian), MDNZ engaged two Asian community educators, with one speaking Mandarin and Cantonese, and the other speaking Korean, to deliver community presentations within Auckland. To complement this, we also translated five of our brochures into Chinese and Korean languages. These are being distributed for free in the community.

We have made great progress in raising awareness in the Asian communities with 20 presentations to date, including one to a group of doctors in Botany.

MDNZ’s community educator Ruth, who delivers talks in Cantonese and Mandarin, comments: “The audience tells me how glad they are to learn about macular degeneration and will now definitely go and get their eyes checked.” Ruth finds it very satisfying delivering these talks as she can see the difference it makes in people’s lives.

Karen, MDNZ’s Client Services Coordinator shares her thoughts: “We are pleased that elderly Chinese and Korean people now have access to key patient resources about macular degeneration, and support and advice in Mandarin and Cantonese through our 0800 helpline.”

To order patient resources in Mandarin or Korean, or to book a talk for your community group in Mandarin, Cantonese or Korean, please be in touch on 0800 MACULA (0800 622 852) info@mdnz.org.nz

MDNZ is grateful for the support of The TM Hosking Charitable Trust, proudly managed by